The Left Flank
Following the Lieutenant's orders, our squad pushed deep past the diversion point. Prina led the way, her spiritual perception acting as our radar.
"Something is wrong," Prina whispered, stopping abruptly. Her face went pale as she looked at the sky. "The mana flow... it's screaming."
Before anyone could react—
BOOM!
A figure descended from the heavens like a meteor, smashing into the frozen earth. The impact sent a shockwave of snow and dirt blasting outward, knocking us off balance.
As the dust settled, a man stood in the center of the crater. He was massive, his arms encased in heavy, crude iron gauntlets that hummed with dark energy. His eyes held the same hunger for battle that I had seen in Legend, but twisted into something far more arrogant.
"Greetings, outsiders," the man rumbled, his voice like grinding stones. "I am Gakeru. One of the Six Black Knights of what you people call the 'Criminal Organization.'"
He cracked his neck, looking at us as if we were insects. "I have a simple proposal. Leave now, and I won't crush you. Refuse, and I will slaughter you one by one. What say you?"
Fear paralyzed the squad. Prina activated her Spirit Eyes to gauge his strength, but what she saw made her tremble. "His power... it's a bottomless pit."
"Shut your mouth!" Gron roared. To him, the man's arrogance was an insult he couldn't swallow. "Who do you think you are?!"
Gron charged, his heavy shield raised for a collision course. He didn't know he was running toward his own grave.
"Hmph. I suppose a demonstration is required," Gakeru sighed.
As Gron launched his strike, Gakeru didn't even block. He simply leaned under the attack and drove his iron-clad fist into Gron's stomach.
CRUNCH.
The sound of breaking ribs echoed through the clearing. Gron, our tank, was launched backward like a ragdoll, crashing into a tree and sliding down, motionless.
"Come on," Gakeru taunted, opening his arms. "Entertain me."
Legend gritted his teeth. He knew running was no longer an option. He stepped in front of Prina, pointing his sword at the monster.
Gakeru's eyes suddenly narrowed, locking onto Prina. "Oh? What's this? Girl... I can see the Nuclear Core inside you. How fascinating."
He lunged. His speed was impossible for a man of his size. But just as he reached for Legend, a shadow flickered from the side.
Akira struck! His dual daggers aimed for Gakeru's exposed neck. But the Black Knight was too fast. He regenerated his stance instantly and backhanded Akira with his gauntlet.
CLANG!
Akira's steel daggers shattered upon impact with the iron fist. The rogue was sent skidding across the snow.
"G-Legend... Strike him!" Gron wheezed from the ground. Despite his broken ribs, he had crawled forward and latched onto Gakeru's leg with a death grip.
"Now! Do it!" Akira shouted, grabbing the other leg, pinning the giant in place.
Legend hesitated. Fear clouded his mind. I can't... he's too strong...
Then he closed his eyes. He saw Prina's face. He remembered why he was here. She's watching. I won't let her die!
"RAAAAAH!" Legend opened his eyes and charged.
"You annoy me!" Gakeru snarled. He stomped, crushing Gron's hand, and kicked Akira in the gut, but he couldn't shake them off completely. Annoyed, he punched the air, sending three waves of Mana hurtling toward Legend.
Legend dodged the first one to the left.
He parried the second one, knocking it off course.
But the third one was right in front of him. There was no time to dodge.
Think! How did Magnus do it?
The memory of their duel flashed in his mind. The switch.
Legend released his grip on the sword with his right hand and caught it with his left mid-swing. The sudden change in angle and momentum allowed him to slice through the mana wave, dispersing it into sparks.
He was in range.
"DIE!" Legend screamed, thrusting his sword toward Gakeru's stomach.
But Gakeru was already moving. With a cruel sneer, he raised his massive iron fist high above his head for a skull-crushing hammer blow.
Legend was committed to the thrust. He couldn't dodge. It was a contest of speed—steel against iron. Who would strike first?